County Administrative Office

Carlos J. Palacios
County Administrative Officer

The County Administrative Office is responsible for the preparation and supervision of the County’s budget, legislative analysis, contract and grant administration, intergovernmental relations, supervision of non-elected department heads, and oversight of all departmental functions. The County Administrative Officer is responsible for management, review, and recommendations related to the Board of Supervisor’s weekly meeting agendas.

The County Administration Officer is also the ex-officio Clerk of the Board, Director of Emergency Services, Executive Director of the Public Finance Authority, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz County Redevelopment Successor Agency, and a member of the Santa Cruz Regional 911 Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Board and the Animal Services Authority Board of Directors. The County Administrative Office also administers activities related to tourism promotion, including activities associated with the countywide Tourism Marketing District. The CAO also oversees the Homeless Action Partnership Strategic Plan, as well as Economic Development and Cannabis Licensing activities.